Huang Yan never imagined his casual visit to the Yang Family would bring such enormous rewards.

Not only did he secure Liu Zihao’s help to arrange formations for his family, but he also forged a connection with the prestigious Yang Family!

Everyone knew the Yangs were backed by the He Family of Wanzhong Forest—a household name across Tiger-Chasing.

The Yangs’ meteoric rise was undeniable. Becoming their vassal now guaranteed the Huang Family’s fortunes would soar.

“Heh, Master Huang exaggerates. One structure each on the mountain, for family matters, and in the village will suffice.”

“Understood! I’ll handle it immediately, Yang Master!”

Huang Yan had braced for harsh demands, even prepared for centuries of exploitation. Instead, they merely asked to build a hall and stone tablet while accepting the Huangs as vassals—an incredible deal!

After all, commoners worshiped whoever stood before them. Why waste prayers on distant ethereal gods when living benefactors offered real benefits?

“Lingrui.”

“Present.”

Yang Lingrui materialized soundlessly at Yang Lingqing’s summons.

Huang Yan’s pulse spiked. He hadn’t sensed the man’s entrance or noticed him standing mere steps away.

“This senior’s aura is transcendent! Yet… why does he seem familiar?”

Suddenly, Huang Yan recalled the handsome youth trailing the Li Family’s second young master years ago—a boy barely at the third level of Gathering Qi.

“Now he’s… seventh-level! Nearly at its peak!”

Huang Yan’s mind reeled. Advancing four levels in mere years? Such monstrous talent!

“No wonder the He Family took interest! The Yangs bred a once-in-an-era genius!”

Though silent, Huang Yan’s ragged breaths betrayed his awe.

“Escort Master Liu to Fengling.”

“By your orders, Master.”

Yang Lingrui turned briskly. “Master Huang, let’s make this quick. I’ve training to resume.”

“But the formation diagram—”

“Done.”

Liu Zihao flicked his wrist, sending the fresh diagram airborne. Yang Lingrui guided it to Huang Yan with a breeze—completed during their earlier discussion.

Today’s events had left Huang Yan’s mind thoroughly numbed by shock.

Was it truly resolved this easily?

The formation master from the formation hall had made him stand outside for two full hours!

“Is there an issue with the formation diagrams?” Liu Zihao glanced up.

“No, no!”

Huang Yan waved his hands hastily. “I’m simply awestruck by Formation Master Liu’s miraculous skills! Everything’s perfect!”

He turned to Yang Lingqing and bowed deeply. “My deepest gratitude, Yang Master. The Huang Family shall dedicate our utmost efforts to serve the Yang Family henceforth!”

With that, the three departed for Fengling.

Yang Lingqing had chosen the Huang Family as their first affiliated family for three reasons.

First, their location in Fengling filled a territorial gap in the Yang Family’s southern holdings.

Second, they had the bamboo forest cultivator’s endorsement.

This cultivator had reached the peak of the ninth level of Gathering Qi, nearing a breakthrough. Four years of talisman trades with the Yang Family, coupled with last year’s blue crystal delivery from Yang Lingrui, had forged strong ties between them.

Though loose cultivators faced hardships, their independence from kingdoms and sects granted freedom. A high-level loose cultivator like him naturally attracted many suitors. By affiliating with the Huang Family, the Yangs indirectly strengthened this alliance.

Lastly, the Huang Family’s own capabilities mattered. During the recent ancient tomb exploration, they’d dispatched mid-stage cultivators – proof of their deep influence in Fengling. They met all Yang Family requirements for affiliates.

Neither Yang Lingrui nor Liu Zihao tolerated delays. At the Huang estate, Liu Zihao completed the formations while Yang Lingrui arranged ceremonial protocols. Their entire mission concluded in under two months.

“Second Young Master! It bloomed!”

Returning home, Yang Lingrui saw Liang Yi dash from the spiritual plant garden clutching purple-glowing blossoms.

Since the hidden treasure incident, Liang Yi had abandoned cultivation to obsess over plants, eventually moving his housing into the garden. Through his tireless efforts and the He Family’s secret methods, all three original plants had advanced to mid-stage Gathering Qi.

The four-leafed spirit-receiving grass now yielded two spirit liquid drops monthly. The Resurrection Grass fruited every eighteen months. Today, the Purple Celestial Flower had produced its first Purple Core Flower – boosting mid-stage Gathering Qi breakthrough chances by 15%. Yang Lingrui’s casual remark months ago had become Liang Yi’s obsession.

“Your dedication moves me, Mr. Liang,” Yang Lingrui said.

Liang Yi grinned. “No trouble! I’m useless elsewhere. Helping our home is enough.”

The words pierced Yang Lingrui’s heart. Yang Linghu’s death haunted Liang Yi endlessly. He blamed his own weakness for his master’s demise, abandoning cultivation upon returning home. Now he managed the garden single-handedly, only emerging to announce harvests. The Yangs noticed his silent penance.

“Mr. Liang.” Yang Lingrui gripped his shoulder. “Never speak so again. You’re family.”

Liang Yi trembled. “Second Young Master, I…”

“Solitary Moon Mountain alone bears blame. I’ll avenge Brother Linghu. You’re barely thirty – your Path of Cultivation remains long. Would Brother wish to see you like this?”

Liang Yi wept openly. He knew the truth, yet couldn’t forgive himself. Even lower-ranked Zhao Qi had fought bravely while he’d frozen.

“Thank you, Mr. Liang.”

Turning, Liang Yi found Yang Lingqing, Wu Tong, Zhao Qi, Liu Zihao, and toddling Yuanhong behind him. The child wobbled forward in a tiger hat, mimicking adult bows.

“Thank… Mister Liang!” Yuanhong lisped. “Sweet cakes! Come eat!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep